Western Kenai Peninsula Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Western Kenai Peninsula Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starichkof peat, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 57K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starichkof and Doroshin soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 53K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soldotna silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Soldotna silt loam, sandy substratum, undulating | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water, fresh | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Killey and Moose River soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Starichkof-Slikok-Naptowne complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salamatof peat, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents, 100 to 150 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mutnala silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Salamatof and Doroshin peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitsol silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tidal flats | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Whitsol silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Qutal silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mutnala silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Starichkof-Spenard complex, undulating | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, dry, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.